True Grit Review "Some Spoilers"

True Grit is not what I expected. It is a great movie with outstanding script and cast, but I thought going into the movie the Cohen brothers would develop a Western which was as dark as the recent great No Country for Old Men. What I found when I saw the movie was a movie touching and funny in its bleak and harsh settings. Bridges is masterful, and Damon is great as the talkative odd Texas Ranger. The star of the show is young Mattie Ross played by Hailee Steinfield, she holds the screen from the moment she appears and carries the movie through to its end.  Her persistence and “True Grit” are evident but just beneath the tough exterior is the innocent 14 year old girl, who cries and wails when her horse is killed.  Steinfield ability to hold the screen with Bridges and Damon drives the movie forward.

The most pleasant aspect of the movie is its humor. The Cohen brothers are famous for their dark humor, and the subtle banter between characters does not disappoint. Several times I found myself laughing out load in a quiet theater, which I guess my sense of humor may be a touch off center from the rest of audience I was seeing the movie with.  True Grit is a must see for those who love westerns, the Cohen brothers, Bridges, or Damon.  

Greinke to the Brewers

Zach Greinke traded to the Brewers. I can’t blame the guy for wanting to get out of KC where there has not been a playoff berth since 1985, when he was still in diapers. I just wish they wouldn’t have traded him to a team within the NL Central and the Cubs having to face him possibly six times in one year. I don’t think it tips the balances in the Central to the Brewers favor, but it certainly does not hurt their chances.   I do not know how realistic it is to think of the Cubs as contenders this year either, but I can still hold out hope, like every Cubs fan, the team will compete and do some actual damage in the playoffs this year. 

The Cubs starting pitching vs. Brewers starting pitching goes to the Brewers.  Zambrano is Dempster are aging compared to Greinke and Gallardo. The back end of the rotation for both groups is unproven or over the hill. The Brewers are probably not the Team will have to worry about the Reds and Cardinals will both be strong teams again next year and will probably be who the Cubs will have to beat for the Division. I am looking forward to Baseball; the Winter Meetings have certainly gotten me excited for summer.